Just wanted to hear from a few folks about different places where they have seen layouts built. I am quite aways from being able to start another one right now but would like to hear about some of the different places that you may have seen layouts built, such as in a old bus etc. I ask because I have an old 48 foot tractor semi trailer with no wheels sitting on the ground and have been toying with the idea of using it for a layout. But I would like to hear from some other people to hear what they may have to say in the way of possible pros & cons of doing this.
I have already thought of a few myself but would like to hear from others who may have a few more that I have’nt thought of yet. Thanks Neil
I have looked at them and with nearly an 8’ width inside, they could be usable. Around here, my thoughts were to heating costs in the winter. Not sure how well, even an insulated trailer holds heat. Looking at your location, you would more likley need air conditioning.
Since you already have a trailer, if it isn’t insulated, I’d think about using some extruded foam, like we use for layouts on the walls and ceiling, might even lower that a little. There should be height enough to have a fairly high layout (storage underneath) or even a multi deck. A 2’ wide layout all around would give you about a 4’ asile, so you could even go a little wider in places if you wanted. Some would depend on whether you were going to have operating sessions with multiple operators or being a one or two person layout.
My thought is that they are usable as long as you can make the interrior a comfortable place to work.
Only other thing is making a people door, if it doesn’t have one. I would think opening and closing a big roll up would be a pain as well as letting a lot of stuff in when you opened it.
On the trailer, is it weather and critter tight? What’s the rust like? Can you insulate it? enough? Add a regular door? A/C and Heat? Wire it? Is it level? I would cost these out versus a built from the ground up separate building. A smaller, but better built building might be cheaper and more comfortable in the long run.
Gidday, While setting up at model railway exhibitions the HO modular group, that I am loosely associated with, have semi-jokingly discussed having a permanent set up in a trailer unit to save the hassle of set up and dismantle. Apart from the size limits,( the guys are prolific builders), the problems of suitable ingress and egress for the paying public, and the financial costs of hiring a tractor unit and keeping the trailer road legal, it was decided that a decent layout was certainly “doable”.
The previous posters have raised very valid points which need serious consideration, but I am sure that a lot of us would be rather envious that you have that amount of space available for a layout.
ChiefEagles on Classic Toy Trains Coffee Pot has posted pictures of his house and yard and he has a nice looking place. He reciently got a old trailer house and is refurbishing it now for his layout house. He has posted pictures of it too and he had built a porch and skirting and it looks nice too. He is working on the inside now. My layout is in my living room which is fine except if I ever get married I suppose it would have to go.
I think I saw pics of that in a mag somewhere, A friend of mine right down the street from where I lived in Ca had his layout of all places in his kitchen. Yes he is single also. The last time I talked to him he had to take it down to do some extensive homw repairs. Sorry I never did get any pics of his layout. Neil
Here is my switching layout. I built it as a shelf and it is 11.5 feet loon and 2 feet deep. This is built over, more or less, my entertainment center. I live in a 460 square foot apartment so space is at a premium. So, the space it occupies, doesnt really subtract from the over all living space.
The red tool boxes hold train “stuff” and the shelves will be used to hold all of my train cars and more stuff.
If your layout is not located in a space that is comfortable to be in, you won’t spend time there. That is an observation that I have made on more than one occasion.
Last year we bought a 29’ trailer for camping. While we were looking we saw similar models up to 35’. I thought that one of these with the guts removed would make an excellent train room. They are heated, air conditioned and completely movable.
For people that move a lot, no more tearing down the layout. If you want to take your layout to a trainshow get the model with a door at the front and another at the rear, so the people can file through and look at the layout. Many shows are located in buildings that can be driven into.
With the economy the way it is their are some really good bargains out there. Or just order one guts free from the manufacturer. I wonder what kind of track plan one could come up with in a 7’6" x 34’ space.
As far as a container being used. After a friends experience with trying to turn one in to a workshop I wouldn’t waste my time. He vented it and added a good size dehumidifier, but still everything seemed to rust. It was not a place to build furniture in. He had a heated outbuilding built not long after.
The trailer seems like it could be a costly mistake. Those weren’t designed to live in.
A safety factor would require 2 doors. Think of the 2nd door as a fire escape.
Rust will always be an issue. Any moisture hazards should be considered. Be sure to consider the underframe. You could end up working out the entire interior, and the floor falls out someday!
If it is an insulated trailer, check to see if the insulation hasn’t decayed.
One more item, local building codes, are they a factor?
That being said, given enough money and time, anything is possible.
A dedicated outbuilding or home addition may also be a better choice.
I’m currently building an n scale layout in a walk in 5’x7’ closet. The shelf is at top of head level and the closet is still fully functional. I use a step stool to work on the layout. It’s working out well!
Agree 100%. My non-climate-controlled garage isn’t ideal - but it was my only practical option. Still, there are lots of times when my `want’ to build or operate runs head-on into oven-like conditions not conducive to long stays.
John Armstrong came up with a California themed one that included everything from a logging incline (like the one Jack Burgess modeled) to an open pit mine! I misremember the name, but it was specifically designed for a 34 foot portable office trailer.
In order to make a less-than-perfect 48 foot box into adequate permanent layout space, I would first inspect it. If minimum to no rust damage, apply heavy duty epoxy sealer and exterior insulation (LOTS of insulation) and berm both long sides. In order to meet most codes, you will need an emergency exit, which could be through the roof via drop down ladder. You will want a roof that will shed rain, a proper personnel door, electrical service and HVAC. This is a time to have a long conversation with your local building inspectors - and with your budget. You may find that a better-designed building, properly built for maximum energy efficiency,
Hello I think it would be cool if its not to much work and money to make it a nice train room. But this thread as a few ideas for you if that space wont work. Hope this helps Frank
Wow Never thought I would get so many responses on this question! All of them good and it is apparent that a good deal of thought went into them. As I stated earlier I am only toying with the idea but some of you have thought of things that I didn’t so this will require considerable more thought on this matter. The trailer is very solid except for the doors both of which will have to be replaced and one small hole in the roof. (my fault) I was putting a cradle on top of it to hold a solar panel so I would have lights inside of it.
I am currently using it for parts storage and a small workshop so it had to be pretty weathertight, the door end is facing away from the direction the wind blows 90% of the time. It is already sitting pretty level so not much work needed there, but some insulating would need to be done inside to the roof of it. the walls are pretty thick so I think that would be OK. I don’t think that the solar panels I have in mind to use would run any kind of AC unit though. So time to do some more thinking HMMMMM. Thanks To All Neil
